Traditional Pool Cue Maker Ups Production to Compete

12 April 2000

McDermott Cue Manufacturing Inc. sales have eroded to the point where new production methods, and federal assistance, are needed to survive, according to McDermott chief financial officer Steven J. Miller. It's the quality of materials and the craftsmanship that attract the pros, company officials said. "Our cues are made from wood, while theirs are made out of composite material," said Miller, whose company had $5 million in sales last year. "Their shaft material is not as good, and we have a three-piece butt construction, which has less likelihood of warping, whereas theirs is one piece. But we can't compete. Imports are dropping prices, and we've got to make up in efficiency and productivity for that," he said.